“What does the Lord you God require of you, but…to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 10:12 All God’s people, exiled in Babylon, had memories of the days when God’s favor was on them. Jerusalem was in ruins because a blessed people had been exploiting the weak, not caring for the land entrusted to them, and going through the motions of worshiping God. The prophet Nehemiah confessed: We have acted very corruptly against You, and have not kept the commandments” (Nehemiah 1:7). God loved His people too much to let them continue harming themselves and others. By letting them “do time” in Babylon, He helped them see what can happen when a blessed people get caught up in a life that leaves God out of the picture. He’ll do what it takes to help us see that as well! God gives blessing to us so we can give glory to Him.